Girl Day: Empowering Female Engineers

Now more than ever, it is important that we encourage young girls and women to enter into the engineering field. The dedication, innovation, and perseverance of our female employee-owners is truly inspiring. By breaking barriers and achieving remarkable feats in engineering, they are not only advancing technology but also paving the way for future generations. They are powerful role models for young girls everywhere and their achievements show them that they too can dream big, believe in their abilities, and pursue their goals fearlessly.

On this Girl Day, learn more about the women at Tata & Howard and their reasoning for becoming engineers and what their beliefs are with regard to women in STEM.

Karen Gracey, Co-President

My passion for engineering stems from my love for math, which naturally led me to pursue a career in civil and environmental engineering. I was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the world and to develop solutions for our ever-changing environment.

During my college years, I faced unique challenges as one of only three women in the civil engineering program. Often, I found myself as the sole woman in my classes, including my differential equations course. This situation could have easily been a source of intimidation, but I chose to see it as an opportunity to empower myself and challenge the gender divide. By embracing this mindset, I not only overcame the obstacles but also excelled academically, achieving one of the highest grades in the class that semester.

This experience reinforced my commitment to engineering and my belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. It taught me the value of resilience and the power of determination, shaping me into the engineer I am today.

Allison Shivers, Project Manager

I decided/was inspired to go into engineering because I felt that engineering could allow me to work on something that I was interested in and also make an impact on the world at the same time. It was exciting to think that I could take part in projects that would ultimately have a direct impact on lives through designing infrastructure and/or helping to find solutions to environmental issues. Also, I think I had a desire to push back on the stereotype that engineering is only for certain people.

I think we can encourage more young girls to choose engineering by exposing them to more women in the industry. If female engineers can be highlighted more, then young girls can see that engineering is not only for men. An example of something small we can do is maybe try to volunteer to speak to elementary school classes about what we do and how we contribute so that at a young age they are not just associating engineering as a male occupation. This would especially be helpful as a female led company, to highlight women in all levels of the field. Another idea is to make a video compilation highlighting women in engineering to be shared somehow for exposure.

Katie Carreira, Project Manager

I chose to pursue engineering in high school. I was always more interested in math and science than anything else, but having a variety of STEM classes available to me in high school, and excelling at those STEM classes, is what gave me the confidence to pursue engineering in college. I had an interest in solving real-life problems, and that inspired my career path. I think having a variety of STEM classes available to me in high school, including smaller advanced classes that were taught by male and female teachers alike was a key factor in pushing me into the engineering field.

I think it’s very important to encourage more young girls to choose engineering so that in time we can have a more diverse and robust engineering field. One thing that may help is more representation – if young girls can see themselves represented in the engineering field, that can inspire them and show them that they can excel at engineering just as much as anyone else. It would be great if young girls had more exposure to examples of women engineers and the cool things we do – whether through TV and films, social media, or through school programs and outreach.

Brianna Sullivan, Senior Project Designer

My inspiration was my first mentor, who was the brightest woman I had ever met, and who taught me how to move forward in this field. I took some additional English and poetry courses in college and wrote this poem, inspired by her:

She doesn’t sketch her dreams in pastel,
but in concrete, CAD, and carbon steel—
a girl who maps the bones of bridges,
whose compass spins for rivers, ridges,
& blueprint lines like veins, alive,
to birth a road, reroute a tide.

She’ll draft her worth in wastewater schemes,
in wind turbines’ spin, solar arrays’ gleam,
in the carbon chains she dares unbind—
a world remade by the force of her mind.

No war but the work, no crown but the cause,
she bends the rules, rewrites the laws,
not to claim a seat, but to build a table
where tomorrow’s girls sketch the impossible.
Her legacy? Clean water, clean air, and this:
A planet that breathes because she insists.

Kimberly Frary, Engineer II

I was inspired to pursue a career in engineering because I grew up hearing about my Mom’s early career as a computer engineer and we were encouraged as kids to explore STEM topics of interest outside of school. My interest in water and environmental concerns was developed in high school by taking STEM electives. Also, having a few friends that took the same classes helped me feel more confident in stepping outside of my comfort zone and we helped each other study.  I think young girls can be inspired to pursue a career in STEM by seeing other women succeed and by having a support network that nurtures their interests.

Check out our last blog post to read more on our amazing team of women here at Tata and Howard.

The Future of STEM: Empowering Women

During Engineers Week (February 16-22), a celebration of the diverse and innovative field of engineering, it’s important to reflect on not only how far we’ve come, but the journey still ahead, particularly when it comes to empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The theme this year, which aligns perfectly with our values at Tata & Howard (T&H), encourages innovation, leadership, and equality. Women in STEM are not just breaking barriers; they’re rewriting the rules. And at T&H, we’re proud to be part of that journey, especially when it comes to water systems engineering.

In a profession that has traditionally been male-dominated, our emphasis on employee ownership, particularly through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), has further helped level the playing field. By offering employees a stake in the company, we empower individuals (particularly women engineers) to shape the future of the firm and the industries we serve. This sense of ownership is essential for innovation and reflects the values of equality and collaboration that define our company culture.

A Legacy of Supporting Women in Engineering Leadership

Over the years, T&H has consistently been at the forefront of promoting gender equality in the workplace, especially within the engineering sector. The leadership team is composed of accomplished women who are shaping the future of water system engineering while also fostering an environment where the next generation of female engineers can grow. These trailblazers not only bring years of technical expertise to the table but also serve as mentors and role models for young engineers aspiring to follow in their footsteps.

At the heart of our engineering teams are women who bring extensive experience, cutting-edge technical skills, and a passion for innovation. These women are not only integral to the success of the company, but are also key players in transforming the water systems of the future, working tirelessly to ensure that the communities we serve have access to safe, reliable water systems.

Women Who Are Driving Change at Tata & Howard

With Girl Day on February 20 during Engineers Week, it’s the perfect moment to highlight some of the incredible women leading the charge here at T&H. These women are not only tackling complex engineering challenges, they’re also inspiring the next generation of engineers, especially young women who are considering their future careers.

Our team is fortunate to have several outstanding women engineers who are leading by example and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the water engineering field.

Karen Gracey, serves as our Co-President with over 27 years of experience. Karen is a standout leader at T&H, specializing in water system design and hydraulic modeling. She is experienced in WaterGems and InfoWater software and her work on the Capital Efficiency Plan methodology has been integral to the development of water systems across New England. As a member of Tata & Howard’s Board of Directors and the NEWWA program committee, Karen is not only an influential figure within T&H but also a respected leader in the broader engineering community. Her ability to balance technical expertise with mentorship and leadership is an inspiration to the entire team.

Jenna Rzasa, our other Co-President, brings over 28 years of engineering experience and a wealth of knowledge in water system design, new water source development, and conducting water audits. As a board member and a leader in her field, Jenna has become a trusted advisor on complex water system projects and is a key driver of our Capital Efficiency Plan initiatives. Her contributions have helped municipalities across New England optimize their water infrastructure, ensuring that communities are served by sustainable and resilient water systems.

Justine Carroll’s expertise in water system hydraulic modeling, design, and construction has been invaluable to T&H’s projects over the last 19 years. With certifications in WaterGEMS and InfoWater modeling software, and her position as Vice President, Justine has also contributed to the development of cutting-edge environmental solutions. Her educational background, including both a BS and MS from Tufts University, has prepared her to tackle complex engineering challenges with both precision and innovation.

Allison Shivers is a standout Project Manager specializing in wastewater engineering who brings over 15 years of experience to our team. Her work evaluating wastewater collection systems and improving wastewater treatment facilities has had a significant impact on the infrastructure of many of our local communities. In addition to her engineering expertise, Allison — like most of our female engineers — is a mother who prioritizes work-life balance, modeling for younger women in the field that it is possible to pursue a fulfilling career while also nurturing a family.

Molly Caruso, with 11 years of engineering experience, brings a unique perspective to the team as a Project Manager. Specializing in water distribution, Molly’s passion for environmental sustainability and her technical expertise help shape T&H’s approach to solving water infrastructure challenges. As a working mother, she exemplifies the flexibility and support that the company provides to ensure women can thrive both professionally and personally.

Kathryn (Katie) Carreira is a Project Manager with laser-level focus on hydraulic modeling, water infrastructure design, and water treatment. Her contributions over the last nine years to our water infrastructure projects have been invaluable, particularly in ensuring the design and safety of critical water systems. As a young engineer, Katie is part of a new wave of female
professionals who are shaping the future of water engineering.

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Engineers

Tata & Howard’s commitment to women in STEM is not just about supporting the women who are already leaders in the field but also about inspiring the next generation of engineers. Initiatives like Girl Day offer young girls the opportunity to explore engineering careers and see firsthand the impact that engineers—especially women—can have on the world. Through programs like these, we aim to break down the barriers that may deter young women from pursuing careers in STEM, showing them that there is a place for them at the table.

Our company’s focus on employee ownership through the ESOP program plays a significant role in encouraging women to step into leadership positions. Employee ownership fosters an environment where everyone — regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual preference — has a voice and an opportunity to shape the direction of the company. This sense of ownership helps cultivate not only confidence, but also collaboration and a sense of responsibility for not
just the company’s success but also for shaping the future of the industries we serve.

The Road Ahead

As we celebrate Engineers Week and Girl Day, it’s clear that the future of STEM is bright, particularly for women. At Tata & Howard, we are proud of the progress we have made in fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in engineering, but we know that there is still more work to be done. We remain committed to ensuring that the future of STEM is one where women’s voices are heard, their contributions are valued, and their leadership is celebrated. Together, we can continue to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of women engineers to achieve their full potential.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering

Inspiring Young Women

On April 23, 2018, Tata & Howard hosted an Introduce a Girl to Engineering event. Thirty-four junior girl scouts (from grades 4-5) from five local troops attended our interactive and informative overview of environmental engineering.

Women engineers from the company were eager to welcome the scouts. They know from experience how important it is to inspire young girls and get them excited about a successful career in engineering. They also know the challenges women often face in the field of engineering long known to be male-dominated.

Slowly, however, this trend is beginning to change, as more young women are earning engineering degrees.

Girls scouts groupTwenty-five years ago, when Tata & Howard was a newly established company, graduating classes from engineering schools may have been 1-2 percent women. As recently as 2016, about 20 percent of graduating engineers were female, and today, Tata & Howard stands out in the Water and Wastewater industry out as a 100% employee-owned company, led by two women co-president engineers, and 38 percent of its workforce being female engineers.

These women engineers are the future role models and inspiration for young girls. On this night, they were excited to share their experiences with the girl scouts and tell them what it is like to be an environmental engineer in the water and wastewater industry.

Their excitement was unmistakable.

We presented a colorful slideshow illustrating how clean water is delivered to our homes—starting from groundwater or surface water sources and pumped through pipes to a water treatment facility. The water treatment process was shown with a simple water filtration demonstration, screening dirty water with both coarse rocks and a coffee filter.  After going through a treatment process, it was explained that clean water is then stored in tanks and eventually ends up in the pipes that lead to our homes—and any place where we can turn on the tap and drink water.

The presentation was followed by questions, answers, and everyone’s favorite…pizza. The girls were then divided into seven teams and instructed to build a freestanding water tank using only a handful of ordinary items, such as a plastic cup (the tank), drinking straws, bubble gum, band aids, string, thumbtacks, string, paper clips, and toothpicks.  The challenge lasted 30 minutes, after which, 8 ounces of water was poured into the water tank creations to test for structural integrity and left to stand for 30 seconds without spilling any liquid.

Girl Day Water Tank Instructions

Lots of excitement and fun ensued as the water towers wobbled, leaked and finally toppled into a watery mess! Not all the tanks collapsed however. A few withstood the water test challenge and a winning team emerged—the Llamacorns—who built a tower standing tall at 11 ¼”. The Greatest Kitty Cookie team came in a close second with a 9 ½” tall structure.

Before leaving for the evening, each scout was presented with a certificate and a merit badge. Many thanks to all the Tata & Howard women volunteers who helped make Introduce a Girl to Engineering a memorable and enjoyable event for these young girls.

And hopefully…the girls also left with a greater appreciation and enthusiasm about pursuing a career in engineering.

Team Results:

Double Bubble – 8 ¼” Collapsed
The River & the Sky – 16 ½” Collapsed
Beautifully Disgusting – 6 ½” Leaked
Llamacorns – 11 ¼” Winning team!
The Greatest Kitty Challenge – 9 ½” – Second Place
Royalty – 11 ½” Collapsed
Water Dogs – 4 ¾” Leaked

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day 2017

introduce-a-girl-to-engineering-dayThis week is Engineers Week, which is celebrated in February of each year, and Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day always falls during Engineers Week. Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day 2017 fell on February 23 this year, and since “Girl Day” is very important to Tata & Howard, we decided to celebrate the day by inviting local middle school girls to come into the office for a special event. The evening was a great success – and also quite a bit of fun!

girl-day-2017
Students and engineers alike provided personal introductions.

In the engineering industry, only 11% of the workforce are women. However, Tata & Howard has always been above this statistic and since the beginning, has striven to recognize the value of women in engineering. Tata & Howard was established in 1992 by Donald Tata, P.E. and Paul Howard, P.E. Initially a two-person firm, the company quickly grew, and out of the first 20 hires, eight were female. This trend continued, and today, 32% of our engineering workforce is female, including the firm’s two co-presidents, Karen Gracey, P.E. and Jenna Rzasa, P.E.

To celebrate our commitment to women in engineering, Tata & Howard hosted an Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day event for local middle school girls at our corporate office in Marlborough, Massachusetts. All of our Marlborough-based female engineers participated with the exception of Maya Rhinehart, who was instead volunteering at Girls Inc. The overwhelming participation of our female engineers exemplifies their commitment to the industry as well as their incredible sense of teamwork and philanthropy.

girl-dayThe evening started with a brief introduction given by Karen, including a story of her experience at the University of Vermont, where she was sometimes the only female in her engineering classes. Justine Carroll, P.E., Project Manager and Team Leader, then presented a slideshow on environmental engineering and talked about the services provided by Tata & Howard, after which the female engineers each shared their personal journeys to choosing the engineering field. The girls then enjoyed a dinner of pizza and salad during which Amanda Cavaliere, Project Manager and Team Leader, led a discussion on the value of great teachers.

Once dinner was finished, the girls participated in a water tank building activity with some of our female engineers. Each group was given supplies including a disposable cup, rubber bands, chewing gum, string, drinking straws, paper clips, push pins, and Band-Aids and were charged with building the tallest elevated “tank” that could successfully hold eight ounces of water for 30 seconds. For 30 minutes, the girls brainstormed and built alongside the engineers until their masterpieces were finished. Immediately after, the tanks were tested for their structural stability. Karen poured the water into each of the “tanks” and we started the timer. Unfortunately, neither tank successfully lasted for 30 seconds, but we assured the girls that even engineers who attempted this activity at local trade organizations were unsuccessful. After all – Band-aids and chewing gum are no substitute for concrete and steel! One thing is for sure: there were plenty of laughs during the testing portion of the event.

introduce-girl-engineering-day

introduce-a-girl-to-engineering-day-2017

Each girl was sent home with a certificate of completion and many smiles. The event was a huge success for not only the young girls, but also for the employee-owners who participated, and we are already planning for next year’s Girl Day. How did you celebrate Girl Day or E-Week? Let us know in the comments below – and Happy Engineers Week!